talk to me about terriers

[ninny]

So my Bichons are getting up there in age and im thinking about the next dog. I have my big dogs but like a small one too. What are the thoughts on terriers? I'd like a terrier next i think. Not sure on the breed though. Whats your favorite breed and why?

 

[Doc Henry]

not a huge terrier fan myself but for my small dogs I like a dachshund they are tough, smart, good watch dogs, nice to my poultry, and most of all good lap dogs that don't shed much and almost never even need a bath.

 

[hennyannie]

I am a huge fan of our terrier Pete. We found him in the side ditch about 4 years ago. Turns out he had heartworms(Probably why he got ditched). We got him treated and he is a super dog. Gets along with all farm animals and does not mess with chickens even though he didnt grow up with them. Our vet says he is a Rat Terrier. Wanted to add that our Jack Russell is not like Pete and has to be kept away from chickens, the two are like night and day.

 

[SourRoses]

Jack Russels.
Have had many.. and out of all the terriers they are the ones I would pick.
Knew a lady quite well who did a terrier rescue.. and I'm sorry to say all the Rat Terriers that passed through their were the yappiest, hard to calm down dogs. I'm sure not every one is that way, but a good many are.

Love our Jacks a whole bunch. My current puppy is kind of insane.. but he really does well with the chickens. I brooded the chicks in my room and he was in here at night with them.. never bothered them or really looked at them like they are prey. Although Jacks are very, very prey orientated. They love to hunt, and it's hard to keep them from it. Mine being great with the chickens has more to do, I think, with him being young and introduced to them at an early age... so hes well used to the sound, smell, and sight of them.

I would never trust him completely with them though, never. Our Jacks in the past have been such ferocious hunters. They do have very energetic personalities.. they need to be kept entertained... but with most they will also have nice periods of calm where you can snuggle.

Rosie used to do frisbee competitions.. she jumps so high (measured once at 5 feet)... an announcer once nick-named her 'Air-Rosie'... you can see a pic of her and others on my BYC page. My Tilly (miss her) was a wonderful little girl... she was always snuggling with me... and when I worked on the farm, she would follow me around not more than 4 feet behind me all day, ride in the cart out to feed the horses.. and help me muck out by way of her stomach

She was my once-in-a-lifetime dog.

For all that though.. Jacks aren't for everyone. My current puppy is just a crazy-head, very smart, but crazy.
Other terriers can be difficult too. After all your research, It is advisable to ask the breeder to see the parent dogs and spend a goodly time observing and interacting with them to see if the breed (and line) is a fit for you.

 

[whidbeylife4me]

I have Mini-Sch and Norwich Terriers. I love them both equally for different reasons. The Norwich are alot quieter and very sweet, but very expensive to buy. Schnauzers have a more outgoing, spunky personality. Joy

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

We have a rat terrier who was dumped here 2 years ago. We call him Cap'n Jack Sparrow because he is DEFINITELY a pirate at heart. He is nonstop active, smart, noisy, quick to learn (altho just because he learns a thing does NOT mean he consents to do it!)

He is loving and affectionate--very much a lap dog--but easily holds his own with my GSDs and Dobies. He spells better than any other dog I've had and has a built-in clock, never missing by more than a second the hour at which I normally feed, offer bedtime goodies, or morning walk. He knows EXACTLY when my partner will be home and is always poised at the door waiting for him.

The nonstop active stuff kinda gets to me but otherwise he is a great dog!

HTH


Rusty

 

[schellie69]

I have a terrier beagle mix not sure which part gets him in the most trouble the run run run or that nose that goes all over the place. With terriers the key is to train train and train some more most terriers have a high prey drive so you have to watch that. Good luck hope you find the perfect dog. Don't be afraid to check out animal shelters or rescues we got a great dog for my DS at the pound a full breed husky.

 

[abluechipstock]

Quote:
i agree dachshunds are awsome dogs, not a danty breed, what other breed can you get 3 coats, 2 sizes and a ton of colors, mine aren't too good with the poultry though

 

[True Grit]

My rough coat JRT is a super dog, smart and calm. Very trainable with treats. Super-sensitive, he doesn't take much to punish, a harsh word is all he'll put up with. I quicked one nail one time and that was enough to make him think I am killing him every time I clip them. Prior to that he just sat for nail clipping, not realizing it could hurt. He and my mini-schnauzer were great pals but if you want two dogs I suggest you make sure they like each other first. Jacks don't forget and they don't really change their minds.
My mini schnauzer was a wonderful dog except for marking, which was a big pain. Very very lovable though and brave, he was my little watch dog. I liked that they could keep up with me on a fast walk, no matter how far and of course they are ready to play ball at any moment.

 

[featherfooted]

I LOVE my Cairn Terrier, Herbie. He's my best friend. He's great with the chickens and a great mouser. If I get another dog it will be a Cairn.

Herbie